University of Anbar

College of Engineering
Chemical and Petrochemical Engineering Department

"ISOPROPANOL PRODUCTION"

A Project Report Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the

Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical & Petrochemical Engineering

By

Fatima Ali & Isra Jasim & Rusul Basim

Supervisor

Dr. Omar M. Al-Kubaisi

December, 2023
Chemical & Petrochemical Eng. Department Senior Design Project I

DECLARATION STATEMENT

We, the undersigned students, hereby declare that the project work entitled
“ISOPROPANOL PRODUCTION” submitted to university of Anbar, is entirely our own
work and has not been copied from any other source. Any material that has been used
from other sources has been properly cited and acknowledged in the report.

We are fully aware that any copying or improper citation of references/sources used in
this report will be considered plagiarism, which is a clear violation of the ethics code of
university of Anbar.

Signature: Signature:
Student Name: Fatima Ali Student Name: Rusul Basim
Student ID: Student ID:
Date: Date:

Signature:
Student Name: Isra Jasim
Student ID:
Date:

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Chemical & Petrochemical Eng. Department Senior Design Project I

CERTIFICATION

Approved by:

Signature:
Supervisor Name: Dr. Omar M. Al-Kubaisi
Department:
Date:

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Chemical & Petrochemical Eng. Department Senior Design Project I

Table of Contents
DECLARATION STATEMENT..........................................................................................i
CERTIFICATION................................................................................................................ii
Table of Contents................................................................................................................iii
List of figures..................................................................................................................iv
List of Tables...................................................................................................................iv
CHAPTER ONE..................................................................................................................1
1.1 Introduction................................................................................................................1
1.1.1 Isopropyl Alcohol................................................................................................1
1.1.2 Isopropanol History.................................................................................................2
1.2 Properties...................................................................................................................3
1.2.1 Chemical Properties............................................................................................3
1.2.2 Physical Properties..............................................................................................4
1.3 Isopropanol Uses........................................................................................................5
1.4 Pharmaceutical Application.......................................................................................6
1.5 Health and Safety Factors..........................................................................................6
1.6 Storage.......................................................................................................................7
1.7 methods of producing isopropanol.............................................................................8
Chapter 2............................................................................................................................14
2.1 Production Rate........................................................................................................14
2.2 Raw Material Requirement......................................................................................14
2.3 Material balance across individual equipments.......................................................14
2.3.1 Material Balance across Reactor.......................................................................14
2.3.2 Material Balance across Heat Exchanger..........................................................15
2.3.3 Material Balance across Separator....................................................................16
2.3.4 Material Balance across Distillation Column....................................................17
2.4 Overall Material Balance.........................................................................................18

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List of figures
FIGURE. 1.1: STRUCTURE OF ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL
FIGURE 1.2 INDIRECT HYDRATION PROCESS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL
FIGURE 1.3 DIRECT HYDRATION PROCESS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL
FIGURE 2.1 REACTOR WITH INLET AND OUTLET STREAMS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF ISOPROPYL
ALCOHOL 50 TONS/DAY
FIGURE 2.2 HEAT EXCHANGER WITH INLET AND OUTLET STREAMS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF
ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL 50 TONS/DAY
FIG 2.3 SEPARATOR WITH INLET AND OUTLET STREAMS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF ISOPROPYL
ALCOHOL 50 TONS/DAY
FIGURE 2.4 DISTILLATION COLUMN WITH INLET AND OUTLET STREAMS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE
OF ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL 50 TONS/DAY

List of Tables
TABLE 2.1 MATERIAL BALANCE ACROSS REACTOR.
TABLE 2.2 MATERIAL BALANCE ACROSS HEAT EXCHANGER.
TABLE 2.3 MATERIAL BALANCE ACROSS SEPARATOR..
TABLE 2.4 MATERIAL BALANCE ACROSS DISTILLATION COLUMN.
TABLE 2.5 MATERIAL BALANCE ACROSS THE ENTIRE PROCESS.

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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction
1.1.1 Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol is the common name given to the compound propan-2-ol. The
other common names generally used for this compound are isopropanol, isopropyl, and 2-
propanol. Isopropyl alcohol is a colorless compound. This chemical compound is
flammable in nature and possesses a strong odor. The Hydroxyl group is connected to an
isopropyl group. Secondary alcohol is an alcohol that contains the alcohol bearing carbon
atom attached to two other carbon atoms.

Thus, isopropyl alcohol is the simplest and smallest example of a secondary

alcohol. Alcohols and ethers are functional isomers. Thus, ethyl methyl ether is a
functional isomer of isopropyl alcohol. On the other hand, 1-propanol is the structural
isomer of isopropyl alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol has a wide variety of uses in the
manufacture of industrial and household chemicals. This organic compound is also a
major ingredient in the production of major chemicals like detergents, disinfectants, and
antiseptics. [1]

Figure. 1.1: Structure of Isopropyl alcohol [2]

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1.1.2 Isopropanol History

Isopropanol, also known as isopropyl alcohol or IPA, has a history that dates back
to the early 20th century. Discovery and Early Development: Isopropanol was first
synthesized in 1920 by the French chemist Gustave Bouchardat. He obtained it by
catalytihydrogenation of acetone. In the following years, various researchers worked on
its production methods and properties.

The industrial production of isopropanol began in the 1940s. It was initially

produced through the strong acid-catalyzed hydration of propylene. Later, more efficient
processes were developed

Use in World War II: Isopropanol gained significant importance during World War
II. It was used as a solvent for the manufacture of synthetic rubber, as well as a cleaning
agent for machinery and weapons. Its antiseptic properties also made it useful for
disinfection in medical settings. Throughout its history, isopropanol has continued to be
widely used for its versatile properties as a solvent, disinfectant, and cleaning agent. Its
importance in various industries and applications has made it a staple chemical
compound in today's world. [3]

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1.2 Properties
1.2.1 Chemical Properties
Chemical properties of isopropyl alcohol are determined by its functional hydroxyl
group in the secondary position. Except for the production of acetone, most isopropyl
alcohol chemistry involves the introduction of the isopropyl or isopropoxy group into
other organic molecules by the breaking of the C–OH or the O–H bond in the isopropyl
alcohol molecule. Isopropyl alcohol undergoes reactions typical of an active secondary
alcohol. It can be dehydrogenated, oxidized, esterified, etherified, aminated, halogenated,
or otherwise modified at the OH moiety more readily than primary alcohols such as n-
propyl or ethyl alcohol [4]

Manufacture this reactivity. The aluminum isopropoxide reaction involves the

aluminum replacement of the hydroxyl hydrogen atom and concomitant hydrogen
evolution; the isopropyl halides reaction involves hydroxyl group displacement.
Isopropyl alcohol undergoes oxidation to form the corresponding ketone that is acetone.
This oxidation takes place with the use of oxidizing agents like chromic acid. Oxidation
can also be done over a heated copper catalyst by undergoing dehydrogenation. [5]

Phosphorous tribromide is used to convert isopropyl alcohol into 2-bromopropane.

When isopropyl alcohol is heated in the presence of sulfuric acid, it gets dehydrated.
Dehydration of isopropyl alcohol results in the formation of propene. Isopropyl alcohol
also reacts with active metals like sodium and potassium. This reaction results in the
formation of isopropoxides. These isopropoxides are reacted with aluminium to form
aluminium isopropoxide. This compound acts as a catalyst. [5]

1.2.2 Physical Properties

1.2.2.1 Molecular structure
1. Molecular Formula: C3H8O

2. Molecular Weight: 60.10 grams per mole [6]

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1.2.2.2 Boiling and Melting Point

Boiling Point: The boiling point of isopropanol is approximately 82.4 degrees Celsius
(180.3 degrees Fahrenheit). This relatively low boiling point allows it to evaporate
quickly at room temperature. [6]

Melting Point: Isopropanol has a melting point of around -89 degrees Celsius (-128
degrees Fahrenheit). [6]

Density: The density of isopropanol is approximately 0.785 grams per milliliter at 20

degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). It is less dense than water, which has a density
of 1 gram per milliliter. [6]

Solubility: Isopropanol is miscible with water, meaning it can dissolve in water in all
proportions. This property makes it a versatile solvent for various applications. [6]

Vapor Pressure: Isopropanol has a relatively high vapor pressure, which means it
evaporates readily at room temperature. [6]

Flash Point: The flash point of isopropanol is around 12.8 degrees Celsius (55 degrees
Fahrenheit). This is the lowest temperature at which it can ignite when exposed to an
open flame or spark. [6]

Odor: Isopropanol has a distinct, pungent odor that is commonly associated with rubbing
alcohol. [6]

Flammability: Isopropanol is highly flammable and can readily ignite. It should be

handled with caution and stored away from open flames or ignition sources. [6]

It's important to note that these properties can vary slightly depending on the purity of the
isopropanol and environmental conditions. Isopropanol is widely used as a solvent,
disinfectant, and cleaning agent due to its favorable physical properties.

1.3 Isopropanol Uses

Isopropyl alcohol is an important chemical product and raw material. Isopropyl
alcohol was one of the first petrochemical products to be synthesized and produced in
1920. It is mainly applied in various fields including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, plastics,

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perfumes and coatings as well as being used as a drying agent and cleaning agent in the
electronic industry. It can also be used as a reagent to determine barium, calcium,
magnesium, nickel, potassium, sodium and strontium. It can also be used as reference
material for cross-sectional analysis.

In the circuit board manufacturing industry, it is used as a cleaning agent, and to

produce PCB slots for connection. Many people find that it cannot only clean the
motherboard with excellent performance, but also get the best results. In addition, it is
used for other electronic devices, including cleaning disc cartridges, floppy disk drives,
magnetic tapes, and the laser station of a CD or DVD player.

The solvent properties of isopropyl alcohol are similar to ethyl alcohol. It is also
called isopropyl solvent. It is used as a solvent for oil and gel, as well as for the
manufacture of fishmeal feed concentrates. Low quality isopropanol can also be used in
automotive fuel. As the raw material used in the production of acetone, the amount of use
of sopranol is decreasing. There are many compounds that are synthesized from
isopropanol, such as isopropyl ester, methyl isobutyl ketone, diisopropylamine,
diisopropyl ether, isopropyl acetate, thymol and many types of esters. We can supply
isopanol in different quality depending on its end use. The conventional quality of
anhydrous isopropanol is over 99%, while the special grade isopropanol content is over
99.8% (for flavors and medicines). It is not recommended for oral use due to its toxicity.

Isopropyl alcohol has some antibacterial properties and its 70% v/v aqueous
solution is used as a topical antiseptic.

1.4 Pharmaceutical Application

Isopropyl alcohol (propan-2-ol) is used in cosmetics and pharm aceutical formulations,

primarily as a solvent in topical formulations. (It is not recommended for oral use owing
to its toxicity.

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Although it is used in lotions, the marked degreasing properties of isopropyl alcohol may
limit its usefulness in preparations use d repeatedly. Isopropyl alcohol is also used as a
solvent both for tablet film-coating and for tablet granulation, where the isopropyl
alcohol is subsequently removed by evaporation. It has also been shown to significantly
increase the skin permeability of nimesulide from carbomer 934.

Isopropyl alcohol has some antimicrobial activity and a 70% v/v aqueous solution is used
as a topical disinfectant. Therapeutica lly, isopropyl alcohol has been investigated for the
treatment of postoperative nausea or vomiting. [7]

1.5 Health and Safety factors

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is flammable in both liquid and vapor nature. Its vapor is denser
than air and can therefore ignite quickly. Flammability in air ranges between 2 and 12.7%
at temperatures as low as 540°F/120°C. This means that any environment in which IPA is
used needs to be well ventilated. Therefore, isopropyl alcohol should be kept away from
open flame and heat for safety purposes. When isopropyl alcohol is distilled over
magnesium, peroxide is formed. These peroxides can cause an explosion when
concentrated. [7]

Exposure to isopropyl alcohol causes irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes.
Exposure to isopropyl alcohol for 3-5 mM (400 ppm) caused mild irritation in the eyes,
nose, and throat, and at 800 ppm these symptoms became severe. An oral dose of 25 mL
in 100 mL of water causes hypotension, flushing, bradycardia, and dizziness. Ingestion of
large anti-qu has caused widespread hemorrhagic bronchitis, bronchopneumonia, and
hemorrhagic pulmonary edema. Prolonged skin contact with isopropyl alcohol can cause
eczema and allergies. Delayed percutaneous absorption has been attributed to a number
of pediatric poisonings that have occurred after repeated or prolonged sponge baths with
isopropyl alcohol to reduce fever. In severe cases, symptoms included shortness of
breath, stupor, and coma. Laboratory animals exposed to isopropyl alcohol develop
poisoning with symptoms of hind leg paralysis, unsteadiness, lack of muscle

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coordination, respiratory depression, and stupor. Isopropyl alcohol is a potent central

nervous system depressant, and in large doses it causes cardiovascular depression.

Isopropyl alcohol is twice as toxic as ethanol and should therefore not be taken orally;
Isopropyl alcohol also has an unpleasant taste. The symptoms of isopropyl alcohol
poisoning are similar to those of ethanol except that isopropyl alcohol does not have the
initial euphoric effect, and gastritis and vomiting are more pronounced; See alcohol.
Delta osmolality may be useful as a rapid screening test to identify patients at risk of
complications from isopropyl alcohol ingestion. The estimated oral lethal dose is 120-250
ml although toxic symptoms may result from ingestion of 20 ml. [7]

The use of isopropyl alcohol in industrial applications does not pose any health risk.

1.6 Storage
Isopropyl alcohol should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in tightly sealed
containers with a proper label. Outside or detached storage is preferable. Inside storage
should be a flam mable liquids storage room or cabinet. Workers should not stor e
isopropyl alcohol above 37°C (100°F). Containers of isopropyl alcohol should be
protected from physical damage and contact with air, and should be stored separately
from strong oxidizers, acetaldehyde, chlorine, ethylene oxide, acids, and isocyanates.
Isopropyl alcohol should be transported to the nearest laborator y as quickly as possible
in cool containers. [7]

1.7 Methods of Production

1. Direct Hydration of Propylene: This method involves the direct hydration of

propylene, a hydrocarbon, to produce isopropanol. Propylene gas is reacted with water in
the presence of a catalyst, typically sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid. The reaction takes
place under specific temperature and pressure conditions, resulting in the formation of
isopropanol.

2. Indirect Hydration of Propylene: In this method, propylene is first converted to

propylene oxide through the oxidation of propylene using air or oxygen. Propylene oxide

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is then hydrolyzed, either by using an acid catalyst (such as sulfuric acid) or a base
catalyst (such as sodium hydroxide), to yield isopropanol. This process is commonly
known as the propylene oxide-based process.

3. Acetone Hydrogenation: Acetone, a ketone compound, can be hydrogenated to produce

isopropanol. The hydrogenation of acetone typically involves the use of a catalyst, such
as copper or nickel, at elevated temperatures and pressures. The acetone molecule
undergoes a reduction reaction, resulting in the formation of isopropanol.

4. Biological Fermentation: Isopropanol can be produced through the fermentation of

sugars or carbohydrates using specific strains of bacteria. The process involves the
conversion of sugars or carbohydrates into isopropanol by microbial fermentation.
However, this method is less commonly used on an industrial scale and is mainly
employed for the production of bio-based isopropanol.

It's important to note that the choice of production method depends on various factors,
such as the availability and cost of feedstocks, desired purity of the final product, and the
scale of production required. Industrial-scale production of isopropanol typically utilizes
the direct hydration of propylene or the indirect hydration of propylene oxide as the
primary methods due to their efficiency and cost-effectiveness. [7]

Indirect Hydration
This process is based on a two-step reaction of propylene and sulfuric acid. In the first
step, mixed sulfate esters, primarily isopropyl hydrogen sulfate, but also diisopropyl
sulfate, form. These are then hydrolyzed, forming the alcohol and sulfuric acid. [8]

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In the process, propylene reacts with sulfuric acid (>60 wt%) in agitated reactors or
absorbers at moderate (0.7–2.8 MPa (100–400 psig)) pressure. The isopropyl sulfate
esters form and are maintained in the liquid state at 20–80◦C. Because the reaction is
exothermic internal cooling coils or external heat exchangers are used to control the
temperature. There are two general operational modes for conducting the reaction. In the
two-step strong acid process, separate reactors are used for the propylene absorption and
sulfate ester hydrolysis stages. The reaction occurs at high sulfuric acid concentration
(>80 wt%), at 1–1.2 MPa (130–160 psig) pressure, and low (eg, 20–30◦C) temperature.
The weak acid process is conducted in a single stage at low acid (60–80 wt %)
concentration and at higher (2.5 MPa (350 psig)) pressure and (60–65◦C) temperature.
The sulfate ester hydrolysate is stripped to give a mixture of isopropyl alcohol, isopropyl
ether, and water overhead, and dilute sulfuric acid bottoms. The overhead is neutralized
using sodium hydroxide and refined in a two-column distillation system. Diisopropyl
ether is taken overhead in the first, ie, ether, column.

This stream is generally recycled to the reactors to produce additional isopropyl alcohol
by the following equilibrium reaction:

((CH3)2 CH)2 O+H2SO4 ←→ (CH3)2 CHOSO3H + (CH3)2 CHOH

Wet isopropyl alcohol (87 wt % and 91 vol %) is taken overhead in the second still.93%
of the charged propylene is converted to isopropyl alcohol in this system.

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The bottoms from the stripper (40–60 wt % acid) are sent to an acid reconcentration unit
for upgrading to the proper acid strength and recycling to the reactor. Because of the
associated high energy requirements, reconcentration of the diluted sulfuric acid is a
costly operation. [8]

Acid corrosion presents a problem in isopropyl alcohol factories. Steel (qv) is a

satisfactory material of construction for tanks, lines, and columns where concentrated
(>65 wt%) acid and moderate. Figure 1.2 shows the flowchart for the indirect hydration
process for the manufacture of Isopropyl alcohol.

Figure 1.2 Indirect hydration process for the manufacture of isopropyl alcohol

Direct Hydration
The acid-catalyzed direct hydration of propylene direct hydration of propylene is
exothermic and resembles the preparation of ethyl alcohol from ethylene

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The equilibrium can be controlled to favor product alcohol if high pressures and low
temperatures are applied. The advantage of low temperature is difficult to utilize,
however, because most known catalysts require high or moderate temperatures to be
effective.

Propylene hydration in dilute acid solution probably proceeds according to the rate-
determining formation of propyl carbonium ion. According to this mechanism, the
reaction rate is proportional to the concentration of hydronium ion and is independent of
the associated anion, ie,rate=k[CH3H6][H3O+]. [8]

However, the acid anion may play a marked role in hydration rate, eg, phosphomolybdate
and phosphotungstate anions exhibit hydration rates two or three times that of sulfate or
phosphate. Association of the polyacid anion with the propyl carbonium ion is suggested.
Protonation of propylene occurs more readily than that of ethylene as a result of the
formation of a more stable secondary carbonium ion Thus higher conversions are
achieved in propylene hydration

There are three basic processes in commercial operation: [9]

1. Vapor-phase hydration over a fixed-bed catalyst of supported phosphoric acid

(Veba-Chemie) or silica-supported tungsten oxide with zinc oxide promoter.

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2. Mixed vapor–liquid-phase hydration at low (150◦C) temperature and high (10.13

MPa (100 atm)) pressure using a strongly acidic cation-exchange resin catalyst
(Deutsche Texaco AG).
3. Liquid-phase hydration at high (270◦C) temperature and high (20.3 MPa (200
atm)) pressure in the presence of a soluble tungsten catalyst (Tokuyama Soda).

Figure 1.3 Direct hydration process for the manufacture of isopropyl alcohol
Figure 1.3 shows us the flow chart for the direct hydration process. The
description for the three direct hydration process is given below

In the Veba-Chemie process, a vaporized stream of propylene and water is passed

through an acidic catalyst bed (H3PO4 supported on SiO2) at 240–260◦C and 2.5–6.6
MPa (25–65 atm). The gas stream from the reactor is cooled and fed to a scrubber where
the remaining isopropyl alcohol is removed. Isopropyl alcohol selectivity is ca 96% for
the gas-phase process. Owing to equilibrium limitations in the gas phase at high

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temperature and low pressure, a low propylene conversion (5–6%) results and thus a
large amount of unreacted propylene is recycled. Both processes involve high plant costs
owing to high pressure requirements, gas recycles, and the requirement for high purity
propylene (ca 99 wt %). [10]

Deutsche Texaco developed a trickle-bed process to avoid the disadvantages of

the gas-phase process. In the trickle-bed process, a mixture of liquid water and propylene
gas in a molar ratio of 12 to 15:1 is introduced at the top of a fixed-bed reactor and
allowed to trickle down over a sulfonic acid ion-exchange resin. Reaction between the
liquid and gas phases takes place at 130–160◦C and 8–10 MPa (80–100 atm), forming
aqueous isopropyl alcohol. Propylene conversions per pass are greater than 75%, and
isopropyl alcohol selectivity is 93%. Only 92 wt % propylene purity is needed for this
process. Approximately 5% diisopropyl ether and some alcohols of the higher oligomers
form as by-products. The life of the cation-exchange resin is at least eight months.

A liquid-phase variation of the direct hydration was developed by Tokuyama

Soda. The disadvantages of the gas-phase processes are largely avoided by employing a
weakly acidic aqueous catalyst solution of a silicotungstate . Preheated propylene, water,
and recycled aqueous catalyst solution are pressurized and fed into a reaction chamber
where they react in the liquid state at 270◦C and 20.3 MPa (200 atm) and form aqueous
isopropyl alcohol. Propylene conversions of 60–70% per pass are obtained, and
selectivity to isopropyl alcohol is 98–99 mol % of converted propylene. The catalyst is
recycled and requires little replenishment compared to other processes. The bottoms
containing aqueous catalyst solution are recycled to the reactor, and the light ends are
stripped of low boiling impurities, eg, diisopropyl ether and acetone. Azeotropic
distillation yields dry isopropyl alcohol, and the final distillation column yields a product
of more than 99.99% purity. [10]

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CHAPTER 2
2.1 Production Rate
50 tons of Isopropyl alcohol is produced every day

2083.333 kg of Isopropyl alcohol is produced every hour

Therefore, 2083.333 kg/hr of Isopropyl alcohol is produced.

2.2 Raw Material Requirement

From stoichiometry, to produce 2083.33 kg/hr Isopropyl alcohol, i.e.34.967kmol/hr we
will require exactly the same amount of propylene and water (feed).

Therefore, 34.967 kmol/hr of propylene and water is required as raw material.

Water is fed in 1:1 ratio to propylene

Amount of water required = 34.967x 1 = 34.967 kmol/hr

Therefore, 34.967 kmol/hr of air is required.

2.3 Material balance across individual equipments

2.3.1 Material balance across Reactor

C3H6 C3H80
REACTOR
H2O H20

Figure 2.1 Reactor with inlet and outlet streams used in the manufacture of isopropyl
alcohol 50 tons/day

Figures 2.1 Shows the inlet and outlet material stream of a reactor

Weight of CH3CH=CH2 entering= 34.967kmol/hr

Weight of H2O entering= 34.967 k mol/hr

Reaction occurring: CH3CH=CH2+H2O (CH3)2CHOH

Amount of CH3CH=CH2recycled = 10.4901 k mol/hr

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Amount ofCH3CH=CH2 entering the reactor= 45.95286kmol/hr

Moles of H2Oentering= 34.967kmol/hr

Given single pass conversion for propylene in the reactor= 70%

Amount of (CH3)2CHOH formed = 0.7*(45.9586) k mol of CH3CH=CH2

= 34.967 k mol of (CH3)2CHOH

Amount of H2O formed= 0.3*34.967kmol H2O

= 10.4901kmol of H2O
Table 2.1 Material balance across reactor
Compounds Material entering Inside reactor Material
(Kmol/h) (Kmol/h) leaving (Kmol/h)
Propylene 49.9529 -34.967 14.9859
Water 49.9529 -34.967 14.9859
Isopropyl 0 34.967 34.967
alcohol
Total 99.9057 -34.967 64.9387

Table 2.1 gives us the result for the material balance which was conducted across a reactor

2.3.2 Material Balance across Heat Exchanger

C3H8O C3H8O

H2O H2O
HEAT EXCHANGER
C3H6 C3H6

Figure 2.2 Heat Exchanger with inlet and outlet streams used in the manufacture of
isopropyl alcohol 50 tons/day
Figure 2.2 shows the inlet and outlet material streams of the heat exchanger.

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Table 2.2 Material balance across heat exchanger

Compounds Material entering (kmol/h) Material leaving (kmol/h)

Propylene 14.9859 14.9859
Water 14.9859 14.9859
Isopropyl Alcohol 34.967 34.967
Total 64.9387 64.9387

Table 2.2 gives us the result of the material balance which was conducted across a heat
exchanger.

2.3.3 Material Balance across Separator

C3H6(Recycle)

C3H8O H2O
H2O SEPARATOR C3H8O
C3H6

Fig 2.3 Separator with inlet and outlet streams used in the manufacture of isopropyl alcohol
50 tons/day

Figure 2.3 shows us the inlet and outlet steam of a separator

Amount of C3H6 entering= 14.98586 kmol/hr
Amount ofC3H6 Recycled=14.98586kmol/hr
Amount of C3H6leaving = 0 kmo/hr

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Table 2.3 Material balance across separator.

Compounds Material entering Recycle (kmol/h) Material leaving

(kmol/h) (kmol/h)
Propylene 14.9859 14.9859 0
Water 14.9859 0 14.9859
Isopropyl Alcohol 34.967 0 34.967
Total 64.9387 14.9859 49.9528
Table 2.3 gives us the result for the material balance which was conducted across a separator.

2.3.4 Material balance across Distillation Column

C3H8O
H2O

C3H8O
DISTILLATION
H2O COLUMN

H2O
Figure 2.4 Distillation column with inlet and outlet streams used in the manufacture of
isopropyl alcohol 50 tons/day

Figure 2.4 shows the inlet and outlet material stream of a distillation column

We need 99% pure Isopropyl alcohol (literature) i.e 1% water comes out with Isopropyl
alcohol.

Amount of H2O entering= 10.4901kmol/hr

Amount of C3H8O entering = 34.967kmol/hr

Moles ofH2O leaving (top) = 0.01*34.967 = 0.3496kmol/hr

Amount ofC3H8O Leaving (top) having 99% purity = 34.967 kmol/hr

Amount of H2O leaving the bottom stream= 10.14043kmol/hr

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Table 2.4 Material balance across distillation column

Compounds Material entering Top stream Bottom stream

(kmol/h) (kmol/h) (kmol/h)
Propylene 0 0 0
Water 14.9859 0.34967 14.6361
Isopropyl Alcohol 34.967 34.617 0.35
Total 49.9528 34.967 14.9861
Table 2.4 gives us the result of the material balance which was conducted across a
distillation column

2.4 Overall Material Balance

The material balance across the entire process is shown in table 4.5.

Table 2.5 Material balance across the entire process

Compounds Material entering (kmol/h) Material leaving (kmol/h)

Propylene 34.967 0
Water 49.9528 14.9859
Isopropyl Alcohol 0 34.967
Total 84.9198 49.9528

As with mass, energy can be considered to be separately conserved in all but nuclear
processes. In process design, energy balances are made to determine the energy
requirements of the process: the heating, cooling and power required. The steady state
energy balance is generally calculated using the relation: Energy out=Energy in + Heat of
Reaction + Q (heat supplied/heat removed) In this section, we estimate the amount of
utilities (coolant and duty) required by the plant for the production of 50 tons/day of
Isopropyl Alcohol. Accordingly, enthalpy balance is performed over individual
equipment, assuming heat losses to be negligible and all pumps and compressors to
neither supply nor dissipate heat. [10]

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 Chemical & Petrochemical Eng. Department Senior Design Project I

References
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[2] “‫إيزوبروبانول‬.” [Online]. Available: https://ar.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D8%A5%D9%8A

%D8%B2%D9%88%D8%A8%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%88
%D9%84
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